The Doctrine of Types, and Its Influence on the Interpretation of the New Testament, an Essay, Which Obtained the Norrisian Medal for 1829 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1830. Excerpt: ... PART I. It is not necessary to undertake any deep research into the subject of the origin of language, and the various means of conveying information, in order to arrive at the notion expressed in the word "type." We know that the use of symbolic representation very generally prevailed in the early ages of the world. Of this representation there are two kinds, the one by symbolical writing, the other by significant action. In the infancy of language, these two means of imparting ideas would naturally be the first to present themselves to mankind; and that which necessity at first suggested, might, for various reasons, be employed in after times, even when letters and words had furnished a more extensive medium of intercourse. Among the nations of the present day, the remains of this rude, but natural language, may be traced in many of their most solemn transactions. In the affairs of religion, in particular, the early ages of the world made frequent use of the two methods of symbolical representation. The most ancient characters employed by the Egyptians to signify their deities, were of a symbolical nature; and their religious rites consisted in shows and representations in action. The Greeks, deriving their religion in great measure from Egypt, framed their mysteries, both the greater and the less, on the same principle of expressing things by visible signs'. Nor is it difficult to account for the prevalence of this mode of religious instruction; for there is an impressive solemnity in action far above any effect produced by words, and which, by its very nature, strikes the mind, through the medium of the sight, with the most forcible appeal 2. It is evident that the method of information by action, though at first only used to express things past or pr...